//NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MANAGEMENT | Definition of Management | Effectiveness Vs Efficiency

NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MANAGEMENT | Definition of Management | Effectiveness Vs Efficiency

Management

According to Marrie and Douglas, “Management is the process by which a co-operative group directs actions of others toward common goals.”

Management is a process of getting work done with the aim of achieving the goals of an organisation in an efficient and effective manner.

Concepts of Management

Process: Process means the interrelationship among the basic functions of management such as planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. None of the functions can be performed in isolation.

Effectiveness: Completing a given work in the required time with a focus on the end results.

(Doing right tasks-completing activities-achieving goals-end results )

Efficiency: Completing a task with the minimum possible cost and resources

Greater benefits with less resources => Efficiency

Same benefits with less resources => Efficiency

Less benefits even with more resources => Inefficiency

(Achieving objectives-least amount of resources-minimum costs

These two terms are interrelated- two sides of same coin-balance between both Poor management inefficiency- ineffectiveness)

Difference between Efficiency and Effectiveness

EffectivenessEfficiency
DefinitionThe operational meaning of effectiveness is to complete the given work according to the planned schedule, Efficiency, under management, means doing the work correctly and with minimum cost.
Focuses onDoing the assigned task accuratelyDoing the assigned task in a correct way
Focuses onEffectiveness is focused on the extent to which work is done and the end result achievedEfficiency is focused on the inputs and outputs
Oriented towardsEffectiveness is more strategy oriented not effort oriented. Time orientedEfficiency is more operation and effort oriented. Cost oriented 

Interrelationship between Effectiveness and Efficiency

Both effectiveness and efficiency are two prime inputs for achieving an organisation’s goals. However, a trade-off has to be often made between them. This means that if an organization aims at achieving efficiency, then it may have to compromise on effectiveness and vice versa.

For example, if, to complete a task:

More workers are hired =>Task gets completed on time=> Effective, but if

More workers are hired => Cost increases in form of increased salary=> Not efficient 

On the other hand,

Task is carried out with the same number of workers=> Less cost =>Efficiency,  but if 

Task is carried out with the same number of workers =>Delay in completion of work =>Not effective

Thus, a balance must be maintained so as to complete the task (effectively) employing minimum resources with a focus on cost minimisation (efficiently).

Sarita Chugh M.Com, B.Edan  is Accounts and Economics teacher having more than 30+ years of experience. She is Edupreneur and founded Unique Learning Academy in 2004. She believes that every child has the right to affordable education.